Can you prevent a tree nut allergy?

Not all tree nut allergies can be prevented, but certain factors are associated with a lower risk of developing a tree nut allergy. These factors include early exposure to tree nuts (usually beginning around the age of 4 to 6 months), adequate vitamin D levels (vitamin D is implicated in the regulation of immune cells), early exposure to microorganisms and infections (known as the “hygiene hypothesis”), and maintaining the skin barrier (i.e., avoiding dry/cracked skin). Colloquially, these contributing factors are summarized as the “5Ds” for diet, vitamin D, dogs, dirt or dribble, and dry skin.^[1]